MitoPharm Corporation, Inc. (Pinksheets: MTPM), today announced that its
founder, Dr. Robert Ko, is introducing a new, commercial –
scale process for the extraction of “(-)
Schisandrin B” and “Schisandrin
B.”
The new extraction process is made possible by hybrid chromatography -
crystallization technology, which extends the market of the company's
branded product to pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, functional
beverages and commercial grade raw material applications.
Schisandrin B, an active ingredient from Schisandra Berry, a
well-known cardio-tonic in traditional Chinese medicine, everyone from
Chinese emperors to family herbalists has long recognized the remarkable
powers of the schisandra berry to promote longevity and increase
stamina. Its strengthening effect is combined with system-balancing
properties, making it ideal for such conditions as fatigue, nervous
exhaustion, and lack of energy. Schisandra is one of the most popular
adaptogenic herbs in China, where it is taken to beautify the skin,
strengthen the sex organs, and promote mental function.
Dr. Robert Ko, Founder MitoPharm Corporation, stated, “The
introduction of the new extraction process could give formulators a new
tool to develop innovative and appealing products, which should help
bridge the gap between commercially viable process and the laboratory
scale process that would leave the compounds confined to only laboratory
experiments.”
Dr. Ko’s new offering was made possible by the
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s
proprietary, patent-pending process and the utilization hybrid
chromatography - crystallization technology, which it says can deliver
an automated, cost effective, scalable and environmentally friendly
commercial extraction of the Schisandrin B compound from natural
Schisandra berries.
About Dr. Robert Ko
Dr. Robert Ko received his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of
British Columbia, and is a Professor at the Hong Kong University of
Science and Technology. He is a prolific researcher in Pharmacology and
Biochemistry. There are over 67 research papers and book chapters that
Dr. Ko was involved, of which he is the first and/or correspondent
author of 48 papers. He is a pioneer in the modernization of Traditional
Chinese Medicine (TCM), in terms of developing a modern scientific basis
for the verification of the efficacies and processing of the formula
ingredients. He is very experienced in collaboration with industry on
commercialization of novel intellectual properties.
About Dr. Ka-Ming Ng
Dr. Ka Ming Ng is Chief Executive Officer of NAMI, and Chair Professor
of Chemical Engineering at HKUST. He obtained his B.S. degree from the
University of Minnesota in 1976 and his Ph.D. degree from the University
of Houston in 1980. From 1980 to 2000, he served as Professor of
Chemical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He
joined HKUST in 2000, and served as Head of the Department of Chemical
Engineering from 2002 to 2005. He held visiting positions at DuPont, the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the National University of
Singapore. He is at present Corporate Science and Technology Advisor of
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation. He also serves as a consultant,
technical advisor and non-executive director for various companies and
government bodies around the world. He sits on the editorial boards of
the Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, Korean Journal of Chemical
Engineering, and Computers & Chemical Engineering.
About Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
At HKUST, scientific studies have identified biochemical actions of
MitoPharm's key Compound, demonstrating that it enhances the
mitochondrial glutathione antioxidant status, a crucial factor in
maintaining mitochondrial function and cell survival, and also induces
the expression of heat shock proteins, another group of important
molecules for cell protection. Management's research indicates that
these biochemical actions differentiate the Compound from other
existing, known compounds, either synthetic or naturally occurring, in
the ability of the Compound to protect organs including the heart, the
liver, and the brain.
About MitoPharm
MitoPharm, Inc. www.mitopharm.com
is a biotechnology company in the research & development, marketing, and
sale of drugs, dietary supplements, and functional beverages. The
initial products are based on a newly formulated compound (the
"Compound") that is the result of over 15 years of research and
development by one of its founding shareholders, the Hong Kong
University of Science and Technology ("HKUST").
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes forward-looking statements that are made
pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While these statements are made to convey
to the public the Company's progress, business opportunities and growth
prospects, readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements
represent management's opinion. Whereas management believes such
representations to be true and accurate based on information and data
available to the Company at this time, actual results may differ
materially from those described. Additional factors that could
materially affect these forward-looking statements and/or predictions
include, among other things: (1) our ability to manage the HPW
acquisition and the expansion of operations; (2) our ability to obtain
contracts with suppliers of raw materials and distributors of our
products; (3) the risks inherent in the mutual performance of such
supplier and distributor contracts (including our production
performance); (4) our ability to protect and defend our proprietary
technology; (5) our ability to secure and retain management capable of
managing growth; (6) our ability to raise necessary financing to execute
the Company's business plans; and (7) the Company's ability to comply
with all applicable federal, state and local government and
international rules and regulations.
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